Flagpole system providing half-mast display mode

Abstract

A flag mounting system provides a compact flagpole that may be mounted on a vertical surface or the like. A sliding tubular sleeve on the flagpole supports the flag and in a half-mast position exposes a distal end of the flagpole which is painted black. When the sliding tubular sleeve is extended to a full extension position, this black portion is covered.

I claim: 
     
       1. A flagpole system comprising:
 a flagpole having a proximal end and a distal end, the latter providing an upper axial portion darkened with respect to a proximal portion of the flagpole; and 
 a tubular sleeve sized to fit over the flagpole and slide axially therealong between a first position covering the upper axial portion of the flagpole and a second position uncovering the upper axial portion of the flagpole, the tubular sleeve providing a first and second mounting element for attaching to adjacent corners of the flag; 
 wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a cylindrical tube received between collars at distal and proximal ends of the cylindrical sleeve, the collars each presenting an internal circumferential channel and wherein the detents provide a spring loaded button that may extend into the channel from the flagpole to releasably retain the collar by interengagement of the channel and button. 
 
     
     
       2. The flagpole system of  claim 1  further including a first and second detent positioned between the flagpole and the tubular sleeve for releasably holding the tubular sleeve in either of the first and second positions. 
     
     
       3. The flagpole system of  claim 2  wherein the detents releasably block axial movement of the tubular sleeve on the flagpole while permitting rotational movement of the tubular sleeve on the flagpole. 
     
     
       4. The flagpole system of  claim 3  wherein the first and second mounting elements are clips adapted to releasably engage grommets in the flag. 
     
     
       5. The flagpole system of  claim 1  wherein the channel includes a first wall sloped with respect to an axis of the tubular sleeve and a second wall substantially perpendicular to an axis of the tubular sleeve to preferentially allow disengagement of the button from the channel only with motion of the cylindrical tube away from the button. 
     
     
       6. The flagpole system of  claim 5  wherein the collars include radially extending flanges having loops formed therein for attachment to clips that may attach to grommets of the flag. 
     
     
       7. The flagpole system of  claim 1  further including an angle bracket attachable to a proximal end of the flagpole and having a mounting face angled with respect to an axis of the flagpole for attachment to a vertical wall for supporting the flagpole at approximately 45 degrees from vertical. 
     
     
       8. The flagpole system of  claim 1  further including a flag attached to the tubular sleeve by the first and second mounting elements.